Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in women worldwide, especially in limited-resource settings. Concurrent chemoradiation followed by brachytherapy is the standard of care for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. Concurrent treatment with external beam radiotherapy and chemotherapy is however, associated with a considerable risk of toxicity. Patients who are treated experience emotional, psychological, social, financial and physiological consequences. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of women with cervical cancer undergoing concurrent chemoradiation therapy at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana, and to identify aspects of care that could be improved to enhance their overall treatment experience. METHODS: The research was an explorative-descriptive qualitative study involving Ghanaian women with a histo-pathologically confirmed diagnosis of cervical cancer undergoing chemoradiation. Qualitative data were collected via semi-structured in-person interviews and thematically analysed. RESULTS: Four main themes were identified, namely: "deciding on the choice of treatment", "cruising through therapy", "losing self-image", and "evolving into a new person: from caterpillar to butterfly". Some of the patients experienced psychological effects such as fear and depression, whereas others encountered financial difficulties as well as disruption of social relations to the point of isolation. Many patients received support from their spouses, family members and/or care givers. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights significant gaps in cervical cancer awareness among patients prior to diagnosis, leading to fear and anxiety during treatment. Most patients deferred treatment decisions to healthcare professionals due to their expertise. Concurrent chemotherapy profoundly affects patients' well-being, causing psychological distress, physical side effects, economic burden, and social isolation. Patients adopt various coping strategies, including inner resolve, faith in God, and social support.